Sec. 1. 39-A MRSA §329 is enacted to read:

§329.__Interpreter required

An employee whose native language is not English and who does not understand the English language to the degree necessary to reasonably understand and participate in proceedings that impact the employee's rights is entitled to have an interpreter present at all proceedings before the board or a hearing officer relating to that employee's rights.__The Department of Labor shall pay the cost of any interpreter required by this section.

SUMMARY

This bill provides that an employee who is not fluent in English is entitled to have an interpreter present during workers' compensation proceedings affecting the employee. The Department of Labor pays the cost of the interpreter.